Hagen: A Reappraisal

Hagen in the Nibelungenlied is a many-sided figure best approached as a politically oriented vassal of great human intelligence. An examination of epithets used for him (as compared to other characters) and an analysis of his actions support this. He is a favorite of the poet and is a fuller and mor...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Monatshefte (Madison, Wis. : 1946) Wis. : 1946), 1971-07, Vol.63 (2), p.125-140
Main Authors: Mahlendorf, Ursula R., Tobin, Frank J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cunning
Epithets
Friendship
Hostages
Literary criticism
Military service
Murder
Poetry
Stanzas
Warnings
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Summary:Hagen in the Nibelungenlied is a many-sided figure best approached as a politically oriented vassal of great human intelligence. An examination of epithets used for him (as compared to other characters) and an analysis of his actions support this. He is a favorite of the poet and is a fuller and more unified character than is generally admitted. Hagen, a vassal constantly thinking in terms of his legal rights and duties, demonstrates his exceptional acumen in thought and judgment, in eloquent and incisive speech, and in shrewd actions. And it is his intelligence which this pragmatically minded vassal relies on most when going about his gigantic tasks: dealing with Siegfried, getting the Burgundians to Etzel's court, and protecting them there. Yet it is also largely his intelligence, as it misinterprets Etzel's actions, that causes his downfall and exposes the flaws in all that he is and represents.
ISSN:0026-9271
1934-2810